10 to try: summer films

Wolverine, Lone Ranger, Despicable Me 2 and more blockbusters

By
Time Out Dubai staff
18 June 2013

White House DownStarring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal.Capitol policeman John Cale (Tatum) takes his girl on a tour of the White House when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it’s up to Cale to save the president, his daughter and the country. Cue dramatic music.Release date: June 27.

The HeatStarring: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy.Uptight FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Bullock) is a methodical investigator with a reputation for excellence – Shannon Mullins (McCarthy), one of Boston PD’s finest, is foul-mouthed and has a very short fuse. Neither has ever had a partner, or a friend for that matter. When these two completely incompatible law officers join forces to bring down a ruthless underworld lord, hilarity ensues. If McCarthy’s turn is anywhere near as good as that in either Bridesmaids or This Is 40 there should be a plethora of giggles.Release date: June 27.

The Bling RingStarring: Emma Watson, Kate Chang.Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts in order to rob their homes. Writer and director (not to mention Oscar winner) Sofia Coppola takes us inside the world of these teens, fuelled by today’s culture of celebrity and luxury brand obsession. Release date: July 4.

Despicable Me 2Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan.If the trailer is anything to go by, this sequel should be a pile of fun. Gru (Steve Carell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to save the world from another nasty villain. Expect plenty of hilarity from the minions. Release date: August 8.

Pacific RimStarring: Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam.This story is a bit of a doozy, so here goes: when legions of monstrous creatures started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. On the verge of defeat, humanity turns to two unlikely heroes: a washed-up former pilot and an untested trainee. Together, they’re mankind’s only hope. Release date: August 8.

The Lone RangerStarring: Johnny Depp, Arnie Hammer.Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice. Expect epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption in the Old West.Release date: August 8.

The WolverineStarring: Hugh Jackman.Taking its inspiration from the Chris Claremont/Frank Miller Marvel miniseries, The Wolverine finds our hero in Japan and out of his depth as he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Whatever the plot, it’s going to be massive.Release date: August 15.

Kick-Ass 2Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey.They’re back for more super-violent, high kicking, bad-guy beating action. This time around the crime fighting duo of Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl team up with a group of citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Keep an eye out for Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes.Release date: August 15.

You’re NextStarring: Sharni Vinson, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Nicholas Tucci. There’s always room for a good psychological thriller/horror as far as we’re concerned and You’re Next, directed by Adam Wingard, looks like a fairly creepy affair. The story follows the Davison family as they come under attack from some animal-masked, axe-wielding lunatics during a family reunion and wedding anniversary getaway. Release date: August 29

The World’s EndStarring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Rosamund Pike.The third instalment in the Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz being the others) from director Edgar Wright. Five childhood friends reunite in their hometown after 20 years for a big night out. As they set off on their journey to finish what they started all those years before, it quickly becomes apparent that their real struggle is actually for the future of the human race in a town run by aliens. Release date: Sept 5